Mid-cavity occipitoanterior forceps delivery--Laufe and Barnes forceps compared

Laufe forceps are divergent forceps designed to reduce compressive forces upon the fetal skull during delivery from the pelvic outlet. Here we have undertaken a retrospective matched analysis in which Laufe (N = 75) and Barnes (N = 75) forceps were used for occipitoanterior mid-cavity forceps delivery. Our aim was to compare fetal and maternal outcome following use of these 2 types of forceps in the mid-pelvis. Fetal morbidity, categorized by trauma, low Apgar score or jaundice, was present in 31 of 75 infants delivered by Laufe forceps and in 47 of 75 infants delivered by Barnes forceps (p less than 0.01). Overall, maternal morbidity was statistically similar between the 2 groups although perineal trauma was more frequent in the Laufe group (p less than 0.05). We concluded that there appeared to be an improved fetal outcome following occipitoanterior mid-cavity delivery using Laufe forceps compared with Barnes forceps. These initial findings imply that in situations of fetal compromise, where forceps delivery from an occipitoanterior position in the mid-cavity is indicated, that Laufe forceps might be chosen.